Christ or Conservatism?

Gordon Dickson

The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk has brought Christianity and conservatism into the national spotlight. Kirk was an arch-conservative and avowed Christian. Now, in the aftermath of his murder, the national discussion is blurring the distinction between Christianity and conservatism. This is why this edition of FrontLine asks, “Is conservatism enough?” In the United States, many advocate for conservatism as the answer to the nation’s many problems. Truth be told, many professing believers know more about political conservatism than they do about proclaiming Christ. But to find real answers, we must make clear distinctions.

Put plainly, our nation needs Christ, His Word, and His followers; conservatism is not enough to put your nation or any nation on a God-honoring path.

At its root, political conservatism emphasizes the need to conserve traditional values and institutions with only incremental changes. But is it enough to safeguard our societal norms, trusting our fond memories? Scripture warns, “Say not thou, ‘What is the cause that the former days were better than these?’ For thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.” (Ecc. 7:10). Traditions based on the world’s philosophies and principles are just as anti-Christian as ever (Col. 2:8). Mere conservatism will not put a country on a righteous path. Instead of trying to conserve something—even a good civil religion loosely based on Judeo-Christian ethics— the best approach is to return to Christ and the careful articulation of biblical principles. When nations recover their biblical “why,” they will find their way. Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life, has revolutionized America and many other countries throughout history and we desperately need His transforming work again in our day.